According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), from April to May this year, the Commission received at least 13,000 complaints regarding abusive online lending applications (OLAs). These complaints include harassment, fake court orders and other exploitative lending practices that operate across the country. Despite these alarming numbers, OLA’s operations continue to rise in the Philippines as more Filipinos engage in online lending apps due to their hassle-free nature. This emerging dilemma has raised concerns with the Philippine government, prompting a whole-of-nation approach and a more comprehensive campaign to safeguard the public.
On June 16, 2025, the government, through PAOCC together with the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), has formally launched an intensified campaign against abusive OLAs, targeting operators that threaten and harass borrowers throughout the archipelago.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the said campaign aims to protect the citizens from OLA-related incidents and to ensure victims to receive justice and proper legal remedies.
“These abusive online lending operators have caused serious financial, psychological, and reputational harm to thousands of Filipinos. Under the President’s directive, we are going after these groups to protect our people and bring them to justice,” said PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.
Usec Cruz also mentioned that PAOCC, in collaboration with its various international counterparts, had already took down 27 OLA administrators and 89 online scam loan pages as of February 25.
“The [present] administration has made it clear: abusive and exploitative lending will not be tolerated. We remain committed to protecting Filipino consumers, upholding financial integrity, and holding violators accountable,” Cruz added.
Police Brigadier General Rollie Suguilon, then Officer-in-Charge of PNP- CIDG, added that a thorough investigation is a must to effectively address the concerns relative to Online lending violence. “Bottom line is, we need to file an airtight case,” he emphasized.
To further assist OLA victims, PAOCC launched the one-stop shop complaint desk located at its office in Pasay City. The desk has designated representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP- CIDG, PNP Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG) and SEC.
Authorities also pointed out that the illegal methods used by OLAs, such as public shaming, doxing, coercive messaging and outright threats—constitute clear violations of data privacy laws, lending regulations and fundamental human dignity.
Meanwhile on June 19, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PNP and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) was officially renewed with recalibrated objectives aimed at eradicating illegal gambling in the Philippines. The MOA Signing Ceremony took place at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The renewed MOA reinforces the operational collaboration between PNP and GAB to enhance surveillance, law enforcement, and case buildup operations targeting illegal gambling activities, particularly those that have moved online.
Under the strengthened agreement, PNP shall deploy personnel on a per-request or per-operation basis to support GAB’s Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (GAB-AIGU) in surveillance, casing, apprehension, and other anti-illegal gambling operations, especially through its specialized units such as CIDG and ACG. In return, GAB will provide intelligence inputs gathered from its field personnel and stakeholders to aid joint operations. Both agencies have committed to close coordination through their designated Secretariats and focal officers, ensuring a streamlined and responsive approach to combating illegal gambling in professional sports and amusement games.
Signatories to the MOA include PGen Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief, PNP; PLtGen Robert T. Rodriguez, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations; Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, Chairman, GAB; and Atty. Manuel S. Plaza, Commissioner for Operations, GAB.
Atty. Rivera emphasized that GAB’s mandate is to maintain and restore the delicate balance between the adverse effects of gambling and its potential benefits. He noted that this vital objective can only be realized with the full cooperation of PNP, for which he expressed deep gratitude.
“With the signing of this MOA, we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship,” he added.
PNP Chief PGen Torre likewise reaffirmed the PNP’s full commitment to the shared objective.
“Illegal activities have no place in our society. [The] PNP assures the public that we will interdict illegal companies or other unlawful activities in whatever form they take. In this endeavor, we walk hand-in-hand with GAB,” assured PGen Torre.
